9It (1990)
Clowns are scary, but they weren’t always terrifying—for years they were a staple of child-friendly entertainment and a common sight at circuses and carnivals. But by 1990 when It was released, the cultural context of clowns had changed. Poltergeist, Killer Klowns From Outer Space and real-life serial killer John Wayne Gacy had all combined in the public eye to make them suitably terrifying.
That makes it even more impressive that It still manages to flirt with two very true realities: We didn’t always find clowns terrifying, and we absolutely do now. The monster in It is actually a predatory shapeshifter who takes the form of your worst fears, so it makes perfect sense that it would take the form of a scary clown. Tim Curry’s performance as Pennywise/It is jocular and giggling, with nearly every scene riding the line between a classic clown performance and terrifying creature that wants to murder and eat little children. He’s garish and grating, almost laughable, right up until the moment he starts popping blood-filled balloons and coming out of the walls to get you. It might not be the only reason we’re scared of clowns, but it’s definitely one of the most persuasive.
